Solari has won the respect of Real Madrid – MARCA.com

LaLiga SantanderCoach has convinced the doubters

At last, Santiago Solari has won the respect of Real Madrid, the football world, the squad he coaches and the management of the club who gave him the chance to be first team coach.

Having overcome an identity crisis in Eibar, victories over Roma and Valencia have established Solari’s reputation.

Particularly impressive has been his ability to make tough decisions, such as dropping Isco for the game in Rome.

“They’re paying him for a reason,” the coach said at the time, fittingly.

From the directors’ box at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, his management has been well thought of, as have his decisions and his way of handling delicate situations.

When many thought that he could slip up against Eibar, Solari has reacted with greater strength than ever and he has shown the ability to manage egos whilst keeping every player happy with their game time.

Fans have been happy too and have been pleased to see the likes of Marcos Llorente, Sergio Reguilon and Federico Valverde.

Before, they were invisible and forgotten but have now taken their places, replacing the likes of Casemiro and Marcelo when injured, playing in their natural role.

What has been even more impressive has been that Solari has kept the doors open and been highly transparent with everyone, even with team selections and rotations.

When it comes to the Isco situation, the club have been spectators, only saying that it is a coach’s decision, nothing more.

The coaching team have made all of the decisions and nobody questions, nor praises, their final decision, though that may soon come.

Similar occurred with Thibaut Courtois, who has been rewarded with a regular starting role whilst Keylor Navas has been forgotten.

The club wanted one starting goalkeeper, not two, and that is how it has been since Solari took the reigns.

The statistics are on his side too, with six wins and one loss from seven games, 19 goals in favour and five against.

Solari has put an end to the awful run of Julen Lopetegui, who had just one win from his last seven games.